The 2nd March 1974 is where it all started. 

         Let me just share with you how we actually met. 

I am, amongst other things, an oral hygienist. This is where we met for the first time.

The receptionist at the time knew Bruce. She was dating his brother and eventually, they got married.

In walks this HUNK of a man. From the get-go, I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was extremely handsome, had shoulder-length hair, and brown eyes, walked upright, and had a burgundy suit on with a PINK shirt. (Later when pink shirts came to be fashion he refused to wear them).

As young women, we all dream of the day when we will meet the man of our dreams, well this day has arrived for me. This was him, the man of my dreams.

There is a consensus that when you meet the right man " you just know it" This was the one for me.

It was definitely "Love at first sight", from my side for sure.

I felt a connection, even though we were only in each other's company for a little while.

It was an intense and overwhelming experience for a 19-year-old girl, but it was real. He caught my attention and he captured my heart. It was an amazing and exciting experience for me anyway. I wasn't sure what he thought of me. But it was there, the connection was there for sure.

Of course, I could not wait to ask the receptionist how she knew him, who he was, his surname, and a whole lot of questions about this man.

My heart was broken when she told me he was engaged. Now that was a letdown.

Pursuing a guy that was engaged was not going to happen. Not dating a guy who is engaged is the right choice. Hard but it was the right thing to do.

In my mind it was important to remember that being engaged means that someone has already made a commitment to another person. Pursuing a relationship with someone who is engaged, not only shows a lack of respect for their commitment but also sets you up for potential heartbreak.

Even if he is interested in me it is probably wise to steer clear of a situation that will be complicated and potentially harmful to every person involved.

By respecting his engagement I know I am also respecting myself and my own self-worth.

I also deserve someone who is going to be fully committed to me.

I had my heart broken in a few seconds flat. Goodness here I fall head over heels in Love and I don't know a thing about the person. My own doing.

Am I the only one that this has happened to?

I'd like to hear from you about this.

I made the decision not to show my interest in him should I see him at the practice again. I have experienced what can happen when there are 3 in a relationship. I lived with it. My father was not faithful to my Stepmom.

Living with my decision was difficult. It's natural to second-guess yourself and wonder if you made the right choice.

However, it's important to remember that once you've made a decision, you can't go back in time and change it.

The best thing you can do is to accept your decision and move forward with confidence. Which is exactly what I did.

I made the decision for a reason, whether it was based on logic, intuition, or a combination of both.

Now I have to try to focus on the positive aspects of my decision and the potential benefits it can bring.

Every decision we make is an opportunity to learn and grow.

As readers, you are an important part of any story. You provide the motivation and encouragement that I need to keep going.

So as I keep writing and sharing my story with you I truly hope it will keep you captivated and in a small way help you.

With love always.

Ada

PS. I am posting weekly from now on. Life has just been one rollercoaster of emotions and situations which has kept me busy.

Please bear with me as my story continues.

My Journey Through Loss and Grief

 

Life is a delicate tapestry of joy and sorrow, and my journey has been shaped by the profound experience of loss.

Death is an inevitable part of life and overwhelming impact on your entire existence.

Living with the weight of death and grief has tested my endurance and challenged my spirit. However, amidst the darkness, I have discovered the power of love, support, and hope. 

In this WEEKLY blog, I will share my personal story, highlighting the complexities of grief, the fear of loneliness, and the encouragement that has guided me through my darkest moments. 

Through my journey, I hope to inspire others who may be navigating their own path of loss, reminding them that they are not alone and that there is always hope.

Throughout my life, I have experienced the loss of loved ones. 

My journey began at the tender age of 4 with the loss of my mother to suicide.

The next deep loss was my eldest son to suicide, followed by my second son to natural causes....and most recently the love of my life to Leukemia after 48 years of marriage. 

The pain of losing someone dear is indescribable, and it can feel as though a part of oneself has been shattered. 

It is a journey that cannot be rushed, and it requires patience and self-compassion. 

Through therapy, support groups, and the passage of time, I have learned to navigate the waves of grief, finding solace in memories and the love that remains even after death.

In the wake of loss, the fear of loneliness can be paralyzing. 

The absence of a loved one can create a void that seems impossible to fill. 

However, I have come to realize that support can come from unexpected places. 

Friends, family, and even strangers have offered their love and understanding, providing a lifeline during the darkest moments. 

Their presence has reminded me that I am not alone in my grief and that it is okay to lean on others for support. 

Through their compassion and empathy, I have found the strength to face my fears and embrace the healing power of connection. Support has become a beacon of hope, reminding me that I am surrounded by love even in the midst of loss.

Grief is not a linear process; it ebbs and flows, and it requires patience and resilience. There are moments when the weight of loss feels unbearable, and it is tempting to become depressed and feel despair.

 I have learned that endurance is not about suppressing emotions but rather allowing them to be felt and processed. 

It is about finding healthy coping mechanisms, such as journaling, therapy, or engaging in creative outlets.

 Endurance has taught me that healing is a gradual process, and it is through embracing the pain and seeking support that I have been able to find moments of peace and hope.

In the midst of grief, hope can feel elusive. However, it is essential to remember that hope is not the absence of pain but rather the belief that there is light beyond the darkness.

It is the understanding that life can still hold joy and meaning, even in the face of loss. 

Embracing hope has allowed me to honor the memory of those I have lost while also finding the courage to live fully in the present. 

Whether it was through kind words, acts of kindness, or the support of a community, encouragement has reminded me that I am stronger than I realize and that I have the power to overcome the challenges that life presents.

In conclusion, living with loss and grief is a deeply personal journey, one that tests our endurance and challenges our spirit. 

However, through the power of love, support, and hope, we can find solace and healing.

My own journey has taught me that grief is not a burden to be carried alone but rather a shared experience that connects us all. 

By embracing the support of others, finding the strength to endure, and holding onto hope, we can navigate the complexities of loss and discover a renewed sense of purpose and joy. 

May my story serve as a reminder to you, regardless of your personal loss, that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light and the possibility of healing.

Till next time.

Love

Ada